So I clapped him on the shoulder and
sent him off to bed. He went sulkily, without looking round, and
his shoulders drooped like those of an old man; but I reflected
that that would all be changed after a few hours of sleep.
"After all, he is a Lamar," I said to myself as I ordered Evans
to bring wine and sandwiches to the library.
It was the middle of the following afternoon before Harry
appeared down-stairs. He had slept eleven hours. I was seated in
the library when I heard his voice in the hall:
"Breakfast! Breakfast for five at once!"
I smiled. That was Harry's style of wit.
After he had eaten his "breakfast for five" he came in to see me
with the air of a man who was determined to have it out.
I myself was in no mood for talk; indeed, I scarcely ever am in
such a mood, unless it be with a pretty woman or a great sinner.
You may regard that sentence as tautological if you like; I
sha'n't quarrel about it.
What I mean to say is that it was with a real effort I set myself
to the distasteful task before me, rendered necessary by the
responsibility of my position as elder brother and head of the
family.
Harry began by observing with assumed indifference: "Well, and
now there's the deuce to pay, I suppose.
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